Jeff Alter

Thanks for writing and I enjoyed your post.

My first boat was a H16 and I like one design racing and have been to several nationals, but not any world events.
I do disagee with the HCA's new policyes and think that there could be a better way to increase the Hobie fleets.
I guess that I am not the only one by looking at the amount of post on this subject. With a change in the rules this big I think that the HCA members should be able to vote. It has come to my attention that the members gave up there right to vote in 2001. I was a member in 2001 and I never voted or even read anything about a vote of members giving up there rights. Several people have tryed to find out about this and checked with some HCA officers with no results (if any one has a copy of the NAHCA or the results please let us know). It appears that the HCA is working outside the bylaws.Where does all the membership money go,nationals, worlds,newsletters,ect? I for one can't remember Division 9 ever getting any. Most of the news letters I get come after the event is over and I have already read it on line (waste of money).

As far as Hobie Cat Co., thanks to your dad fun coming up with such a great idea. You talked about racing classes H17 and TheMightyHobie18,how long to you think they will last with out any more being made ( some friend sails on your TheMightyHobie18 and likes it and says I want to get one of these oh you can't they quit making them in 2003). The H16 is a fun boat but some just want more and are to heavy to compete.The H20 is loseing out to the Tiger and Nacra 20. The Fox and FX1 are just bad designs and had poor marketing on Hobies part.

Most of the fleets in Division 9 are small and only exist on paper. The same people every year after year put on there own local regatta with very little help because they love sailing. Most are held at sail clubs and all muiltihuls are welcome. We had our last Regatta about three years ago in Wilmington NC. I put it on for three years with little help except for some other division 9 members. Have not had a fleet meeting in 7 or 8 years(no members). I got a list form the local Hobie dealer(closed about a year ago) and sent out an email to all the boat owners, I did not even get one response. The division 9 regattas seem to be getting a little more boats, but it looks like the HCA is really hurting our us.